SA wines on the road in the USA

Mike Dobrovic of Mulderbosch speaks during the road show.

Cape Classics, the South African wine importer to the US market, staged the multi-market road show in Orlando, New York City and Boston. It was an opportunity for producers to showcase their wineries, new and current vintages, as well as older bottlings.

The annual portfolio tasting in New York was the main event with about 80 current and new vintage releases presented to more than 150 trade and press guests. The highlight of the New York tasting was a table of cellar selections, including bottles of 1997 Mulderbosch Sauvignon Blanc, 1989 Buitenverwachting Riesling, 1997 Thelema Merlot and 1997 Klein Constantia Vin de Constance.

The older vintages were praised for displaying incredible depth and vibrancy, demonstrating tremendous longevity.

While the event in New York City was the highlight of the road show, the marketing trip began at the annual Epcot Food & Wine Festival in Orlando, Florida with Mike Dobrovic of Mulderbosch and Ben Truter of Kanu the featured guests. The wines were showcased at events that formed part of the Epcot Festival, which, due to increased popularity, the Walt Disney Company has extended to 45 days from its original 30.

The show moved up the East Coast to New York, where Cape Classics held its annual portfolio tasting at Daniel, the top-rated restaurant. Winemakers and owners from eight of the portfolio's estates made the trip: Peter de Wet of Excelsior, Albie Koch of De Toren, Lars Maack of Buitenverwachting, Righard Theron of De Grendel, Abrie Beeslaar of Kanonkop, Thomas Webb of Thelema, and Ben Truter and Mike Dobrovic also attended.

The tasting was followed by a reception and four-course wine dinner at Daniel in honour of renowned New York retailer Sherry Lehmann's management and staff. Wines were selected to complement the new fall menu of celebrated chef Daniel Boulud, whose restaurant has received critical acclaim and numerous awards, including four Stars from the New York Times “Top Food” honours in the Zagat Guide; and multiple Wine Spectator Grand Awards.

From New York, the group travelled to Boston, Massachusetts for more consumer and trade events. They were the featured guests at a tasting at the historic Algonquin Club hosted by noted shop Federal Wine & Spirits. The group also participated in the annual portfolio show of Cape Classics' Massachusetts distributor. Owners and employees from over 500 different on- and off-trade accounts attended the event held at the majestic Seaport Hotel.

Established in New York in 1991, Cape Classics is one of the pioneering South African wine specialists in the USA. One of its many accolades includes being named "Best Wine Importer" by Food & Wine Magazine. Since 2000, the company has been awarded a "Name You Can Trust" title annually in the Food & Wine Magazine Wine Guide. The company also remains the only South African importer to be the focus of a “Spotlight On” feature in Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate.